Weekend Catch-Up: Questions, Curiosity, and the Big 8-0
Five new posts, one milestone, and a quiet thank you to the muses who helped shape it all.
Another weekend is upon us, which means it’s time to catch up on any Backstory & Strategy you might’ve missed—and maybe pass along a piece or two to someone who’d appreciate it. Think of it as community-supported content curation. Or just good karma.
🎉 I was especially excited this week to pass the 80-subscriber mark! I’m so grateful for each of you, for reading, for commenting, for sharing, and for the thoughtful messages you’ve sent. And a special shoutout to the LinkedIn muses among you: your posts, perspectives, and hot takes helped spark more than one idea this week. You may not know it, but you’ve earned co-writing credits in spirit.
Looking back at the week, I noticed a theme: every headline was a question. Maybe next week I’ll make some bold declarations instead. Then again, I kind of like keeping things curious.
Here’s what ran this week, along with a quick hit of what each piece is about:
📰 Where Do Stories Come From? A Peek Behind the Newsroom
A behind-the-scenes look at how stories actually get assigned in newsrooms—and why that process matters more than most people realize.
🎯 The Managing Up Paradox: Why Recognition Starts with You
If you’re waiting for your boss to see your brilliance, you might be waiting a while. Here’s why managing up starts with owning your own impact.
💬 Why Asking for More Isn’t Enough
Nonprofits and newsrooms are told to “just ask” their audience to give. But what if the problem isn’t the ask—it’s the entire value equation?
📉 Why "If It Bleeds, It Leads" Is Failing Us
Crime is easy to cover. But this old newsroom mantra isn’t just outdated, it’s dangerous. Here's what it’s costing journalism and communities.
☀️ Why Are We So Obsessed With the Weather?
It’s not just small talk. It’s control, anxiety, habit, and a billion-dollar content machine. So… how many times have you checked the forecast today?
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them. Your engagement genuinely fuels this work, and your support helps make it sustainable.
Have a great weekend, and I’ll see you next week for more Backstory & Strategy.
-Yoni
PS - If you found this post helpful, would you please consider restacking it and sharing it with your audience?
This spreads the word and keeps me writing the types of content that you have enjoyed.